Numbers 23:19 ~ Devotion

God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?  (Numbers 23:19, NIV)

 

Have you had a chance to follow any of the political campaigns that are being run for the next presidential election?  All the candidates are busy giving speeches, and stumping for people’s votes.  There are promises being made that if they are elected, that they will change this and that which will make your life better.  Both sides accuse the other of flip-flopping – that the opposing candidate has changed their mind or perspective on some particular issue.  The real interesting thing is to look at all the promises made during an election year, and then see how many are kept.  Often times, candidates say something, but then never act, they promise this and that, but never fulfill those promises.

 

Before we blast the candidates too much, do we do any better?  Do we lie, change our mind, say something, but then never act, or make a promise that we never fulfill?  My guess would be that we do these type of things more often than we would like to admit.  We tell “white” lies that we convince ourselves don’t really hurt anybody, nor will anybody ever find out.  We give people our word, promise one thing, but then fail to act, breaking our promise.

 

What if God was like us fickle humans?  If he would occasionally lie or change his mind about something?  What if he spoke a promise to us, then failed to keep it?  Think of the uncertainty that would bring in our lives.  We wouldn’t be able to trust God’s Word or the promises God has given to us.  Be with us forever?  Guard, protect and provide for our daily needs?  Will he really?

 

In our reading for today, not only do we hear these comforting words that our God is not like us, we see God keeping his promises.  He had promised to be with and bless the Israelites, and now when Balak and Balaam tried to curse the Israelites, God wasn’t going to have it.  He kept his promises, he didn’t change his mind, he didn’t lie to the Israelites – he did what he said he was going to do, in spite of how the Israelites acted.

 

God keeps his word – he does what he says he is going to do.  This can be a terrifying prospect, as God said he will punish sin and sinners for their misdeeds.  At the same time, for believers, it is a great comfort.  We hear God promise a Savior and see him keep that promise in Jesus, who has saved us from sin and the punishment we deserve.  We hear God promise to provide for our needs, and we see how richly God daily continues to bless us.  We hear God promise an eternal home to those who trust in him for salvation, and we eagerly look forward to inheriting what is already ours.  How can we be so sure?  Because… God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?  (Numbers 23:19, NIV)

 

 

When I can’t understand, O God, then help me believe. When I can’t see what good there is in obeying your word and trusting your will, then help me believe. Make my weak faith, my feeble faith, my struggling faith one that relies without condition on your firm and reliable promises. Then I will be free to love you and live for you more courageously. Amen.

 

 

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Today’s Light Bible reading:  Numbers 22-25

 

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